2012 S1 Caleb Buni

CALEB BOEHRINGER 389 772

TUTOR: PAUL LOH & FINN WARNOCK

DESIGN STUDIO: AIR 2012

P R O G R E Journal S S

Air Studio 2012 | Caleb Boehringer 389 772

Contents: Part 1: Case for Innovation 1

Architectural Discourse

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Computer Aided Design: Innovations

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Scripting Culture: Structural Resolve

Part 2: Cut Research Project 7

CUT Project: Experimental Definitions

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Expression Of Interest

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Case Study: ‘Articulated Cloud’

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Re-Engineered: Kinetics/Motion

Part 3: Project Proposal 19

Project Proposal: Design Elements

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Structural Resolve

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Materializing: Decay & Use

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Light and Shade

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Interaction and Kinetics

Part 4: The Gateway: Creation 29

Form Creation

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Site Location & Context

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Kinetics: Spinner Design

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Emotional Connectivity: Light

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Historic Record: Materiality

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Construction Design: Structure

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Design Summary: Wyndham Context

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Critical Review

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References

Part: 1 Case For Innovation

Air Studio 2012 | Caleb Boehringer 389 772

Advancing the Architectural Discourse: Advancements in architectural discourse (discussion/ debate) are often viewed best through works that gain great attention. This attention is acquired due to interest in the structure or concept at hand, and the strategies that have been taken or explored in order to achieve a resolution - unique to what has previously been achieved.

The research below outlines examples that have changed the discourse of architecture in relation to the translation of a complex concept into construction. This topic is of interest due to the complexity of designs originating and the possibility that our Gateway project will take on similar complexities. Development of exuberant designs and concepts are becoming more and more common and it is in the transition from concept design to construction design that is of key importance that sees some of these designs flourish and others fail.

Advances such as 3D modeling and mapping have enabled these designs to be created and it is for this reason that these examples below are highlighted as they have changed the architectural discourse, moving it into a new phase.

State of art examples: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles Frank O. Gehry & Associates, 1988 - 2003

selected as it best suited the needs. CATIA maps points through mathematical equations, creating a precise model and map of forms.

Competition for a design opened in 1987 through a donation by Lillian Disney to create a new concert hall in Los Angeles. Gehry’s Design was selected in 1988.

The complex ‘exuberant and gestural’ forms that were proposed in sketches and physical models (concept design phase) were much to complex for the representational methods of the time. Hand drawing was still being used and Computer Aided Design (CAD) was being used more readily. These were insufficient, unable to produce the complex forms. Gehry looked to 3d modeling software that could map his physical models and create a computerized version. CATIA, was Air Studio 2012 | Caleb Boehringer 389 772

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Through implementation of 3D modeling software, Gehry was able to create a building of a complexity not seen before. The discourse was altered in terms of time saving in the production of construction drawings, visualization of structures, precise detailing through the generation of construction templates and instructions and cost minimizations through time saving and design resolution that saw costly sections revised to more appropriate means. It expands the possibilities in relation to generation of form, leading to innovation possibilities in this area which can also apply to creating our Gateway in a highly complex manner, enhancing the experiential qualities the client desires of the structure.

Personal: In undertaking Virtual Environments in 1st year, I came to understand the reasons for digital software and its strong ability and need for integration in the field of architecture. In undertaking the construction process of the model i had digitised, a realization occurred that without the aid of computerization and technology alike, the end outcome would not be possible. The quality, precise nature and ease in creating the model digitally, meant that similar properties would be achieved during its construction.

Galaxy Soho, Beijing Zaha Hadid Architects, 2009 – current What is highlighted through these examples is the alteration they have had on the architectural discourse in relation to information management and taking concept to construction.

The complexity of these designs requires information technology that can organize, map and keep track of all the elements required to take the design from concept stage to construction stage, leading to the completion of the structure.

In implementing these discourse progressions in the process of design for our own project proposal, I hope to be able to achieve a design of high complexity.

Through use of similar conceptual techniques like those shown in the professional cases, i hope to achieve a design with complexity that is manageable, only enabled through the use of computational techniques similar to BIM and CATIA.

These novel designs created like that of Galaxy Soho must accord with practical and planning needs to enable a constructed project. Through use of Building Information Modeling systems (BIM), Hadid and her projects like Galaxy Soho can be constructed irrespective of the complexity and amount of information required for the concept design to progress into construction.

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Computer Aided Design (CAD): The architectural discourse of the 21st century has ventured heavily into the field of parametric design and design that requires unique form and function whilst being incredibly quick to produce. This has lead to a surge in computational design techniques being implemented to produce designs that are unique and fast - to a level of complexity and resolve not seen before.

creativity, the shortfalls which they are able to amend analytically, creates a unique design process rarely tapped into before1.

The creative forms produced through the combination of two powerful engines (our minds and computational methods) will enable production of an end design that uses the unique creativity of the personal mind with the aided analytical processing of computational methods, enabling the Gateway design to be composed of more complexity than the mind can handle without the aid of computatiopnal design.

These developments in technology have meant that new methods of interpreting designs can be used to display our analytical and creative skills in a way not seen before.

Although computational methods lack

Parthenon, Athens: built 448 BC - use of hand drawing and design.

Design Innovations: The strong (generalized) move from angular, aligned and orthographic to flowing, parabolic and fluctuating form of much greater complexity.

Villa Savoye: built 1931 - use of more refined hand drawn methods.

RMIT Storey Hall, Green Brain: built 2009 - computational methods.

Through furthered implementation of computational design methods, the form of structures has altered. Due to advances in computational methods, the creativity and representation of this in such programs, has developed to a state where curves are promoted and complexity is encouraged and not shunned.

This progression can be seen through history, and as computational methods develop, so does form and the inclination to experiment more with extremely complex and more flowing, parabolic and fluctuating form - enabled through digital technological implementation and its processing capabilities.

Within my own project proposal, the analytical benifits of the computational process will be implemented allowing a higher quality design to be achieved in respect to the creative process and its expansion through the analytical computation processing of CAD.

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BMW Welt by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU Complex twisted form created through tesselation variance. Materials consist of steel twisted torque structure with glass facade. Implementation of computational technology allowed this ‘forming cloud‘ form to be constructed in a manner which allows the core design intent to be carried through in a way that is also viably easy to construct in reality2. The Gateway will require its structure to be resolved in order for constructability and for the structure itself to not become unreasonably complex.

Kaohsiung Port and Cruise Service Center by Reiser Umemoto Undulation of horizontal planes to separate the functions of the spaces contained within. The building skin is a system of nested, long span shells with an underlying steel space frame3.

In creating this skin over the structural frame, highly precise dimensions and construction plans have to be created - computational technology allows for the precision and small tolerances to be achieved. For the Gateway project, the aspect of precision will be explored as to its required level in creating the final form and the integration of its component.

Son-O-House by NOX The convoluted surfaces are embedded with sensors that when activated produce sound within that locale, highlighting to the user the existence of past users in the space4.

This highly complex form and integration of technology highlights the key importance of computational technology. Without such technology, integration of elements to this complexity would not be to this level. The Gateway project will require the technical integration of various elements, (possibly kinetic/moving elements) of which are highly complex and without CAD would be extremely difficult to implement.

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Scripting: Culture Scripting - the process of inputting information to direct an outcome has enabled advancements in taking strong design concepts and translating them into reality, in a way that is efficient and effective. Scripting has allowed the resolution of complex designs like the BMW Welt structure from its ‘forming cloud‘ shape into a realistic and constructible version.

Advances in geometric modeling and structural implementation6 through scripting processes allowed for this structure to be created in a rational and physically-able way whilst still retaining the form originally envisioned in the conception of the design - fundamentally the optimisation of curve linear structure.

In the gateway project, the design produced will be resolved in a similar way - enabling construction but still retaining the original concept at its core, with minimal sacrifice to form.

The approach that Pablo Picasso took in his ‘Bull Lithograph‘3 is a similar process which will be undertaken to structurally rationalise the Gateway project to a point which sees form uncompromised as much as possible, through creating its structural components in the most efficient and effective way. This will be a focus of our Gateway design, aiming to benifit the integration of the kinetic/motion element outlined on page 25.

BMW Welt by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU Constructed through a modified post and beam structure with horizontal rings running the exterior form serving as perimeter beams.7 The strong geometrical shapes used to create the form were scripted to allow resolution of the design that enabled construction, yet had minimal impact on the design intent and concept.

This will translate strongly into my design proposal through resolving the structural components down to a level that sees standardization of parts occur and a structure that is at its most simplistic, yet still able to resemble the original design intent.

This issue of structural resolution may also be applied to the decorative aspects of the Gateway proposal. Dependant on design development, this ‘resolution‘ technique could be applied in a very effective manner - seeing uniformity occur in highly irregular designs.

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BMW Welt:

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Part: 2 Cut Research Project

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Experimental Definitions: Surface Normals

Boolean Pattern

Domain Variables Similar

Domain & Equation Alteration

Altered Equation

Domain Variables Spread

Original

Surface Grids

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Explicit Grids

Surface Grids

Surface Normals

Boolean Pattern

Multiple Functions 08

Explicit Grids

Surface Normals

Boolean Pattern

Combination of All

Slider Columns Altered

Slider Rows Altered

Image Slider Alteration

Original

Surface Grids

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Explicit Grids

Combination of All

Image Slider Altered

Radius Altered Offset Altered

Original

Surface Grids Surface Normals Boolean Pattern

Rotation

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Explicit Grids

Surface Normals

Boolean Pattern

Combination of All

Slider Columns Altered

Slider Rows Altered

Image Slider Alteration

Original

Surface Grids

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Explicit Grids

Key Definitions: Of the definitions explored it became evident that the parameters which worked well for some definitions, became confusing and irrational in their application in others. In creating our project design, these factors will be considered when developing the variations required to adhere to our project design intent.

The definitions to the left that were pulled from the above matrix are key examples of techniques that will be investigated for the design. The first two originate from the boolean pattern input. What was observed and is of interest is the fact of scaling and the rationalizing of the circular elements to a point where there are 3-4 visibly different circle radius, rather than vastly numerous diameters that were produced with other definitions. This effect will aim in implementing a ‘simplified pattern‘ into our structural component allowing ease in construction and also cost reductions due to the ability to standardised parts.

The way in which these definitions reacted to alteration in parameters highlights the analytical capabilities of these systems, providing outcomes that can potentially benefit the design in a way that was unable to be envisioned at a conceptual design stage1.

This extrusion input resulted in a unique version. Instead of the radius of the circles changing, the height of each circle was extruded dependant on the image sampler association and its parameters.

Creating height and 3 dimensionality gives us alternative space to explore and opens up new possibilities that were not envisaged at the beginning.

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Expression Of Interest:

The Western Gateway Project is an opportunity to present an image of Wyndham City as an innovative and developing municipality. The Western Gateway will pick up where the ‘Seeds of Change’ Gateway left off by using parametric design to create an iconic and cutting edge design that demands attention be paid to Wyndham as a hub of rapid urban development.

The Gateway will not only be a literal Gateway into Wyndham but also an introduction into the future urban developments occurring within the city. In particular, inspiration will be drawn from the $440 million Wyndham Marina project planned for completion in 2015. This marina project will attract boating enthusiasts, as well as those seeking an exciting waterfront lifestyle. Even though the gateway will be exposed to all those driving along the Princess Freeway, its connection to the boating harbour will attract more of attention from those engaging with the boating culture, and those interested in the residential developments. By capitalizing on this new expansion, the gateway will be an emblematic representation of this forthcoming tourist attraction. The design will serve as an icon of modernity, a sample of cutting edge design that can be expected from the state of the art marina facilities.

In applying concepts relating to materiality, structural resolution, kinetic interaction and light it will drive an innovative and experiential design solution that Wyndham desires. Our design goal is to create an architectural response that is unique in that the user can interact with it on a somewhat personal level, causing a manipulation of formal composition in different ways depending on the vehicle/users characteristics. This highly experiential design will react and display effects caused by the fluctuation in the frequency of cars, and their variation in size.

Materiality The gateway design has the potential to become a completely integrated part of the site through the choice of material. By choosing a material that responds to the environmental conditions of the site and to those interacting with the space, the surface of the Gateway can be altered in a way that is totally unique to its particular context. It also gives the users the ability to have a lasting effect on the architecture and change the way it will be experienced by others in the future, who in turn will have their own direct influence on the design.

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Structural resolution Structural resolution of the design refers to purifying structure down to its core requirements in an effective and efficient manner. Through the development of form, its complexity can be optimized to a level that best suits cost and constructability considerations. In applying this to the Wyndham Gateway project, structural resolution will be implemented to purify the form to a level that sees the original design intent retained, whilst improving and simplifying form down to it necessities. This design element will also enable the integration of the Motion/Kinetic element, which requires specific conditions in order for it to work and is seen as the core connector that brings all other elements into the one amalgamated form and structure.

Light The element of light poses as a significant factor in the way it interacts with structural forms. The spotlight of the sun will enhance the aesthetics of the structure through the reflection of it onto the surface and the appeal in distortion and manipulation when direction becomes involved. With the addition of perforations and apertures, this will allow for maximum exposure through the layer, and therefore reflecting intriguing shadows for greater aesthetic appeal.

Kinetics Kinetics refers to a particular degree of motion within the design of the building, and can be affected by changing environmental, social or time-related conditions. This idea of a dynamic, ever changing piece of art, is perfect for the Wyndham Gateway as it relates strongly to this city’s rapidly changing and evolving urban and cultural fabric. The aim of incorporating these aspects of interactivity allows for a dynamic design that can be different each time the user connects with the structure.

The culmination of these elements will equate to a Gateway that is truly representative of Wyndham.

The design will be an interactive, architectural sculpture that provides an opportunity for personal engagement. Through the use of light and kinetics, the experiential qualities of the design will be heightened, engaging the audience in a profound manner. Enabled through parametric design, this gateway for the City of Wyndham will promote the growth and development of this municipality, presenting it as a focal point for broader Melbourne to embrace.

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Case Study: Articulated Cloud The Articulated Cloud (Ned Kahn) consists of a series of 5 1/2 inch extruded plastic ‘flappers‘ which are hung from a stainless steel rod with low friction bearings. The rotational axis is a full 360 degree revolution allowing individual part freedom and the possibility for each tile to obstruct those directly above and below5.

In similar designs, Kahn uses flexible chain mail like tiles that add extra axes of movement, increasing the fluidity of its appearance.

The patterns are created through the impact of wind - dependant on direction and speed. At a distance the multiple tiled surface appears as a flexible skin that is highly malleable.

There are three major outputs that relate this design to the outcome which we wish to achieve in our project design, these include:

-Display of kinetic motion -Unique outcome of effect dependant on variables interacting with design -Flowing motion that maps direction and the amplitude behind the force This design although simple up close, has great effects from a distance. This is a positive factor for the project proposal as users will be interacting from a distance, passing by at a relatively fast pace. Whilst the individual elements will be unable to be deciphered, the effect of these elements will be - helping achieve the desire to display the kinetic motion of the user in relation to the site context and their physical presence when interacting.

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Re-Engineered: Kinetics/Motion In order to re - engineer the articulated cloud example, there were 3 main points that had to be input in order for it to operate in a similar way: 1. There had to be individual panels each independent of the others surrounding it, able to rotate around an axis.

2. There had to be a rotation axis for each row of tiles, allowing 1

3. The wind force acting upon the definition had to be represented so that it could interact with the panel elements and their rotations.

to define wind direction, position and amplitude. In moving the attractor point- later changed to a vector, the tile patterns could be observed and their position could be tracked in relation to the type of wind acting upon them.

Surface frames were used to define each tile origin. These points were then linked via a line to create the rotation axes to which an attractor point association was implemented

i am unsure if the wind is represented in a true way, but this definition allows the concept behind the articulated cloud to be observed.

individual movement of each panel, irrespective of the tiles adjacent.

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1

2

Wind direction from behind, top right to bottom left

3

Wind direction centered, light spread breeze

4 3

4

Wind direction from behind, top left to bottom right

Wind direction centered, broad breeze

Definition: The attractor point in this script is acting as the direction of the ‘Wind’, affecting the pull of the panels as per the effect produced through real wind pushing on the panels, rotating them dependant on its force. The range of the script was experimented with attempting to achieve the most realistic representation - achieved at an angle of 180.

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Manipulation and Experimentation: Rotation point: The axis point of rotation can be altered to a position that best applies to the Gateway project’s situation. It will be important to retain symmetry if a central axis is implemented.

Tile Shape: The shape of the tiles will be investigated according to the rotation axis selected. In order for rotation to occur, the flat shape of the tiles may not be sufficient and a 3D form may have to be investigated with precedents sought.

Tile Plasticity/ Materiality: Further investigation of the materiality of the tile and possible implementation of a plastic and pliable form. This could potentially increase the fluid nature of the facade and could be beneficial to the Gateway project in representing movement.

Project Design Potentials: What must be noted from this example is that there is a strong separation between structure and facade. in our Gateway project, structure and our interpretation of this moving facade will be integrated.

In relation to the project proposal for Wyndham, this definition opens up possible variations to our design relating to kinetics and motion.

Due to this sit being situated along a highway, turbulent air can be found coming from the motorists whilst traveling. We will investigate this motion of the user traveling through the site and will aim to implement this force as the ‘wind‘ component for our design.

This will provide a strong experiential and emersive way to interact at a personal and individual level with the structure.

Dependant on the size of the motorist, their speed, direction and proximity to the structure, it will act in a different way, furthering the individualistic nature of interaction as outlined in the EOI. Each user will interact in a different way, leaving the structure in a different configuration so that the next user will also have a unique experience.

Flow of users will determine flow of structure.

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Part: 3 Project Proposal

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Project Proposal: Design Elements Outlined here are the themes and elements that will be incorporated into the Wyndham Gateway. These elements will represent the ideas that Wyndham City Council desires to convey to the audience.

Structural Rationality: Structural Rationality will be incorporated within the form of the Gateway. In order to design something that is cost effective, easy to construct and inventive in form, the design will be rationalized in terms of structure to better meet the desires of Wyndham in a way that is more efficient and effective.

The basis of structural rationality will be to purify structure down to its core, most effective way.

Contained within this element of design will be its condition in working along side with materiality and more importantly, the Kinetic/Motion element through accommodation of its requirements and thus adhering to the parameters it will set for structure and its resulting form.

Materiality: Through Materiality, the effects of decay and use will attempt to be conveyed. Experimentation with materials that embody a level of weathering will be evaluated and possibly implemented to convey a highly site specific and user intended degradation/ transformation of the Gateway.

The intentions behind responding to the materiality of the Gateway in such a manner is to benefit the clients’ desire for the structure to be highly engaging and responsive to use, creating and promoting a highly experiential piece. Wyndham can use this responsive materiality to highlight the diversity of the council which encompasses country, city, coast and also the ever changing and rapidly expanding nature of the council.

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Kinetics/Motion: This kinetics/motion aspect of the design is directly a response of the clients’ desire for an experiential and interactive installation for all who use it.

Due to the parameters of the site and the limited possibilities of user interaction - only through passing the structure at 100km/h, implementation of this motion to affect the structure in some form will be looked at.

Through inspiration from the ‘Articulated Cloud‘ case study, adaptation of this concept will be implemented in the Gateway highlighting the interaction of the user and their direct effects upon the structure. It will also strongly promoting Wyndham’s harbour development, focusing on the future of Wyndham and its potentiality as a place of residence and attraction.

Light: Lighting or the manipulation of it will be implemented as another element, aiming to display in a strong manner the effects that the user will have on the Gateway. Through implementing the play of Light and Shade aspects within the Kinetic/ Motion components, the user will be able to identify their effects on the Gateway through the way in which the light is projected.

As the Harbour Development is our main source of inspiration, parameters according to this will be sourced from its aspects, aiming to represent a figurative image of the background behind the development and Wyndham’s future outlook.

Lighting and shadow will aim to represent these aspects of the Harbour, used also used as a directive component in promoting movement to Wyndham.

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Structural Resolve: Structural rationalization relates to the method of purifying structure down to a level through simplification of elements. The BMW Welt by Wolf Prix exemplifies this concept in the way that the original design intent’s doubly curved ‘forming cloud’ shape is resolved to a point that allows the design to become more easily constructible. Through enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the structural component of the building, Prix was able to make his design constructible in a cost effective way whilst still retaining the original design intent.

In the Gateway project, retaining the original design intent will be a critical aspect to preserve. This balance between aesthetic intend and structural rationalization is something that Prix achieves in the Welt building and will also be critical in the way in which the Gateways’ final form will be created. The diagrams presented highlight the requirements for symmetricality – enabling the rotation of the panels, and grid possibilities – either a combined structural grid with single rotating panel infill’s or a larger structural grid with several rotating panel infills. Further investigation of this will be undertaken once form is created.

The form envisioned relates to the Wyndham harbour development and the aspect of water movement. The asymptotic relationship between the highway and site – the divergent and convergent relationship of the road around site A, integrated with the contextual precedent source of a boat’s wake formation, combining to result as the form generator. Relationships between these two parameters will be experimented with and once developed, rationalization of structure will be undertaken to achieve a balanced compromise between aesthetic intent and structural resolve. The string model pictured highlights the concept of structural rationalization, highlighting the levels of resolution that can be achieved. Finding the correct level of resolution will be critical and will also be dependant upon the integration of the rotating panels and their requirement of a symmetrical framework to accommodate their rotation.

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Materializing: Decay & Use The materials that were looked into for the Gateway project were those whose properties expressed the effects of use and degradation. The ability to influence the skin of the structure in a highly specific and conditional manner was sought after for the Gateway project and the expression of its usage.

Core-ten weathering steel was of particular interest due to its oxidized coating that allowed an alteration in appearance dependant on such factors as wind, rain, sun and atmospheric conditions. The Sydney Myer Asia Centre is constructed from this material and displays the intended effects of which we desire to be created on the Gateway. Dependant upon the exposure to atmospheric conditions, the level of rust, its colour, and even texture is altered, able to vary

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considerably due to the level of protection that is provided to the Core-ten product.

In applying this to the Gateway project, what will be achieved is a representation of the site and its specific conditions. In directly responding to the atmosphere around and the impact of the motorists in passing by and using the Gateway, the structure will be an emblematic representation highlighting the progressive and localized impact of the site’s specificity at hand.

This material will be used for the creation of the rotating panels within the design due to its form being sheet metal. Thickness of material will have to be evaluated as to obtain the optimum weight of panels that allow easy rotation with minimal force.

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Sydney Myer Asia Centre Facade: Effects of the Cor-Ten product under slightly differing conditions within the same location. Highly specific weathering, dependant upon conditions directly effecting the specific locale. Weathering voids created through variance in angle.

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Light & Shade: Light in this Gateway design was used as a promotional element to display direction and also convey a figurative representation of the Harbour development, which is strongly used as a source of inspiration. The play of light and shade within the structure will aid in connecting the user to that of the intended place which the Gateway directly focuses its attention upon promoting.

Investigated was the Yas Marina Hotel,

by Asymptote Architecture which uses led lighting to project numerous colours, allowing the building façade to change in effect, making users respond differently, dependant upon the colour projected and the emotions that the user associates with such colour. In the design of the Gateway, an approach to naturalistic lighting, honing in on its reflection and manipulation capabilities as a source of representational means was desired over that of artificial lighting. Through experimentation, perforations were explored as to their shape attempting to understand which shape provided the most directive sense of composition – extruded diamonds were evaluated to be the optimum form. The effects of the rotating panels on the light output through the structure were also

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investigated, leading to an analogy being created relating to the effects of the reflection on a rippled water surface – highlighting dissipation of clarity and sharpness of the light beam, randomized through the effect created due to the rotation of the panels.

These elements aim to impact the user in a highly experiential manner, aiming to evoke feelings that they have towards boating and the related Harbour experiences due to the prompting of the lighting effect that would be produced on the road immediately ahead.

Removal of the perforations has been implemented due to their effects on the rotational ability of the panels.

Dependant upon the number of perforations, some panels will be restricted in their ability to rotate, requiring more force to spin, but force that may be physically impossible to produce. Lighting will therefore be expanded in relation to the effects that are produced due to the rotation of the panels without the use of perforations.

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Interaction and Kinetics: Due to the recommendation for implementing a strong interaction component of the Gateway design, kinetics was investigated as to their potentiality as an indicator of such interaction. The core motivation behind the implementation of kinetic elements was to create a Gateway with a level of dynamism in the way it represented meaning and displayed the effects of use by those passing through.

The Seed Cathedral project was investigated due to its capabilities in creating movement within structure that conveyed subtly the effects produced by environmental conditions and through that of user interference. The form consists of 60,000 transparent acrylic optics that hold numerous seeds from around the world. What enables the highly moveable and interactive surface is the connection of the optics and also shape that allow for bending and sway to occur. The importance of this example is its adaptability to change under different conditions and through the interaction it receives. For our Gateway, this level of adaptability and kinetic change in structure is desired, attempting to represent the interaction of the user.

Through implementing this idea of kinetics into our Gateway project, what was developed was a series of diamond panels that rotate on a central axis. The diamond shape was selected among other option to accommodate the requirements of the ‘light’ design element enhancing the directive component of the form in promoting movement toward Wyndham.

The panel shape was then optimized through the research of a precedent in relation to

the capturing of wind or air movement of which these implemented panels would be effected by. In using the precedents of anemometer and savonius – accurate tools for measuring wind. Their cupping shape allows the capturing of wind to easily rotate the measuring device, similar to the action that we wish to replicate in our panel design. In taking the core principles from the anemometer and savonius, the diamond shaped panel was optimized to a shape that would work reliably.

What needs to be investigated further is the force required to spin the panels and the best way of connecting rotating panel to static framework. In order for such things to occur, a lighter construction material may have to be used and dependant on the pinning system of the rotation elements, resolution of design here may have to be sought.

Rotating Panel Shape and Arrangement

Savonius - Weather instrument Air Studio 2012 | Caleb Boehringer 389 772

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Part: 4 The Gateway: Creation

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Form Creation: The form of the ‘Awakening’ Gateway was derived directly from the site context and the effect users have on the location each and every day. Like a boat makes a wake through the water, so does a car through the air. This turbulence or ‘wake’ was the starting point to derive the form. At regular intervals along the freeway, a wake was places parallel to the freeway direction.

Through omission of the curves that overlapped numerous times, a simplified, repeated shape was created. From this they were simplified further, down to 7 core shapes. These were then rotated vertically according to their perpendicular nature to the freeway, scaled down to a more manageable size. From this the form was derived with input (affecting the Gateway’s location) from a document outlining the effects of turbulence from cars and the maximum distance at which their ‘wake’ would still be effective1.

Creating the form in such a way allowed the gateway to be highly site and Wyndham specific – never to be copied or reproduced in the exact same way. This enhances the iconic nature that Wyndham desired for the gateway to consist of and acts as an emblem of the place. The flowing and growing nature of the resulting form promotes what is at the core of the Wyndham Municipality in its current age – rapid development, growth, expansion and progression. Its form also closely resembles a wake formation, linking into the harbour development that it aims to promote to visitors and passers by.

Future explorations could see a completely different form originate. Dependant on what information is retained or omitted, the form can change dramatically. This composition of form was selected over other options as it best represented what it was promoting – Wyndham marina and its related themes of water, boating culture and seashore experiential conditions.

Gateway Design Formulation:

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Site Location & Context: The Gateway is located along the south east boundary of site A. It services those entering the Wyndham municipality acting as an iconic land marker to signify to the user of their location within the Wyndham council. The flowing, organic form acts as a transition piece welcoming visitors of Wyndham whose primary motivation for their journey is in relation to the harbour development – Wyndham Marina. It creates an intriguing and ever changing focal point that the user can relate strongly to the harbour and its qualities, namely the theme around water, reflection and fluidity.

The arrangement of the gateway along the side of the south bound lanes of the Princess Freeway acts not only for a functional purpose – enabling the rotation of the spinner elements, but also framing and directing the attention of the user toward the harbour location. The size and scale of the gateway is intentional to depict a strong level of directive influence over the user. Its massive, and dominant size creates a level of awe and spectacle that directs the user to have a broad look, evoking thoughts of water and marine qualities – tapping into the emotions each individual user has in relation to their own personal experiences with such themes.

The immersive and domineering nature of the structure enhances the experiential qualities of the gateway with its expansive overhang and encroaching stance on the freeway placing a level of apprehension in the user in passing through safely. It also enhances the gestural effects toward the Harbour, clearly communicating an importance to the direction in which it points.

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Kinetics - Spinner design: The spinner design acts on the principles obtained through investigation of the savonius wind catchers. Its form is highly efficient and captures the turbulence of the passing cars or users. I diamond shape was used due to its directive component. Investigation of shape highlighted that an extruded diamond best directed attention to the direction in which it was pointing. This effect was only enhanced due to the centred rotation element implemented. The rotation depicts the ‘wake’ or turbulence of the user, creating a motion across the structure similar to that of ripples across water.

Each spinners cup depth is dependant on its distance from the road, allowing those that are further away from the point of impact to have more surface area to capture the turbulence and spin effectively. Each spinner is attached to the substructure through a central pin joint that allows for free rotation on a balanced axis. This substructure frame is attached directly to the superstructure, infilling the grid.

Through further investigations alteration in spinner size would bring about a potential addition to the gateway’s experiential qualities. Perforation of the spinners was briefly investigated but was rejected due to the level of impact it would have on the spin of the spinners. A compromise was sought in the material choice, selecting a semi- opaque plastic allowing a small amounts of defused light through whilst still retaining a solid surface to capture the turbulence and wake of the users and spin effectively.

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Emotional Connectivity - Light:

Through the rotation of the spinners, the play of light and shadow provides intrigue to the user. The patterns created through these rapidly rotating spinners result in an effect similar to that of the play of light on water ripples. This effect was examined due to the interest in using the Gateway as a promotional tool for the marina development. The effect displayed on the road surface and on the users mode of transport creates an immersive quality similar to that of viewing the ocean and the reflections along the water rippling that result. Light has been employed to act as a major connector between gateway and harbour, evoking memories and emotions that the user associates with previous experiences with marina’s and all that is on offer in such a location.

In attempting to further enhance this water rippling effect it was thought that perforating the spinners would exaggerate this effect. The idea was rejected as the amount of perforations on some spinners rendered them inactive and ineffective. Potential investigation in this area could be undertaken so long as the condition is met that the spinners are still able to spin. The possibility of a composite spinner panel that sees a clear solid product infill in the perforations, keeping the spinner surface free from perforations that let wind through but full of perforations that allow the transfer of light.

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Historic Record - Materiality:

Panels:

Progression through time weathering effects:

Acetal Plastic

= Structure: Coreten Steel

=

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Materiality is of key importance to this design, allowing a truly unique and unpredictable installation, specific only to its direct site and context. Employed in this design are two materials, which change and alter composition with age due to various conditions. Through degradation and decay of the gateway, the structure becomes a historical representation of the impact users are having and also the climate and context in which the gateway is located. The structure acts as a representational tool, displaying the effects of past users – from which the present user can observe, and observe differently each time they interact, through themselves having an impact on the façade decay.

The superstructure is created out of CoreTEN – a controlled rust product. This product degrades according to influences from atmospheric conditions such as rain, sunlight, humidity, wind and also exhaust gasses. Through these numerous factors the product weathers according to the circumstance, differing greatly even over short distances.

The spinners are made from Acetal plastic. It begins as a pristine panel of white plastic that through time and impact from sunlight and exhaust gasses dirties and discolours.

Pollution from the user can be displayed on the spinner through the gasses attaching themselves to the surface, whilst the sunlight permanently degrades the plastic. The eventual degradation makes the spinners brittle, discoloured with a chalky appearance, cracked with potentially broken or chipped surfaces.

These materials have been employed as a marker, providing a medium to represent the impact of the gateway’s users. The high level of responsiveness to atmospheric conditions and user will enable a highly experiential structure that changes with time due to influences. The desired effect of the piece will only be achieved with time. The cracking and discolouration of the spinners and the erratically patterned rust of the superstructure form will create that highly sought after experience that Wyndham mentioned in the brief.

Arising through development of the design was the issue of the gateway being pure of form and its lack of messiness and craze.

It was decided to allow the form to stay this way so that the site and the users could determine the degradation level and amount of decay that the gateway pertained. It was decided that the form would not be ‘messed up’ or distorted in the design process so that what degradation did occur would be a clear and indisputably direct portrayal of the impact of site and user alone.

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Construction Design - Structure:

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Through using various methods of simplification, the fluid and undulation form was rationalised down to a core level that allowed retention of the design intent yet took into consideration the ease of constructability. The surface was divided into a grid allowing for the spinner frames to be installed directly into the superstructure. Shown in these images is the superstructure composition, to view the spinner frames refer to the construction-detailing image on page 33.

The superstructure was formulated in this manner to allow for the integration of the spinners. Keeping a level of simplicity to the layout of the grid meant that the spinner system could more easily be integrated. Further exploration would enable a more unique grid formation to be sought, potentially enhancing the meaning of the piece through obtaining and enacting parameters on the structure, which would enhance its specificity and individualism to the site.

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Design Summary: Wyndham Context

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The ‘Awakening’ gateway is a uniquely, experiential piece of sculptural architecture that seeks to inspire and captivate commuters travelling along the Princess Freeway. The gateway will pose as an iconic representation to the city of Wyndham, as it draws inspiration and aims to reflect the future Wyndham - a $440 million marina project currently under development along the Wyndham harbour.

Through the ‘Awakening’s’ installation, those who pass by will gain an insight into what exactly it is that Wyndham city council represents – renewal and growth, through a highly experiential interaction that sees all users have a direct effect on the gateway. Through a form derived directly from the context of the site locale combined with a translated wake inspiration pertained from the harbour development, the gateway aims to enhance the flow of commuters, guiding them purposefully through and into Wyndham.

Enhancement of this forward motion through the site is created by the use of diamond spinners, that when affected by the turbulence or ‘wake’ each commuter’s vehicle creates, promotes a wave like effect to occur over the structure. This enables each user to have a unique experience with the gateway, vastly different to those who went before and those who will go after. The key integration of localized material degradation instills a level of uniqueness, allowing the site’s conditions and those who use this gateway to impart a level of distress that will alter its external composition. This, teamed with the play of light that will be created by the rotating spinners will strongly reference the harbour and common typecast associated – rustic materiality, fluid reflection and organic motion.

The gateway will provide an experience to all who pass through, exemplifying Wyndham and the harbour development, awakening the user to the unique and rich possibilities that Wyndham has to offer. Its emblematic approach in terms of user impact will underpin this gateway as a focal point for broader Melbourne, surmising Wyndham’s core of growth, expansion, renewal and progression.

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Critical Review: Throughout this course and journal an understanding of the level of quality, refinement and meaning that can be placed into design work because of parametric design and it qualities has been acquired. The ability to formulate a strong concept and then in certain aspects, directly translate this into a design possibility has highlighted the value and place in architecture that this design method has. Of particular benefit was the ability to create variations of designs with easy. Unlike conventional design methods where meaning is often lost with more and more alteration, simply changing the amplitude of a parameter could create an entire new possibility yet retain the same level of meaning originally intended. This has been evident in this projects design and is something that will be implemented and critically assessed in future design work and studios.

In furthering exploration of the theme of structural rationalization and its progression through the semester, it only became evident as to its true benefit and value when it came time to construct the working models. Through having a level of thought pertaining to structural optimization throughout the design process, when creating the models it was identified that due to the complex form, rationalization was required. In creating several models, it wasn’t until the final iteration that the model actually worked to a realistic level – employing more rationalization that the previous versions. Development of this

design process allowed a level of knowledge to be gained and will be employed in future works. In having awareness that a rationalization process was occurring, understanding its value and pushing it to its limits was able to be reached, unlike those who did rationalization subliminally. The level of compromise between aesthetics and constructability within our design came to a balance that saw models produced (and potentially a starting point of actual construction) effectively and easily whilst also retaining the original design intent at its core. This balance was a fine line to achieve but through variations enabled through parametric design processes, an outcome was achieved that allowed the core intent to be retained almost to its fullest.

This semester’s work has highlighted a different way of designing and a different way of thinking about designing. In gaining understanding around the world of parametricism, it has become highly evident that meaning and intent are critical, not only to design in this way but also to create a well thought out and ‘good’ design. In rationalizing structurally and putting direct thought into this process, the final design that was created resembled the original design intent applied, whilst pertaining a level of simplification, creating construction simplicity with a cleanliness and purity, embodying the fundamental essence of its original intent enacted.

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References: Page 1 & 2:

Hadid: Arnaud Malherbe, 3ds.com. Greg Corke, aecmag.com Image: zaha-hadid.com

4. Structure behind facade, http://www.wayfaring.info/2011/03/25/ childrens-museum-of-pittsburgh/ 5. Working Detail, Christine Killory, and René Davids, ‘Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’, in Detail in Process. 1st edn, Asbuilt (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2008), pp. 112 - 117.

Page 3 & 4:

Page 17 & 18:

Gehry: Changing the way we practice: Part 1 Frank Gehry, Harvard.edu.

Image: Britanica.com

Historic Evolution Images: www.tlc.howstuffworks.com www.bluffton.edu www.world-architects.com

1. Fluidity of surface, http://www.archdaily.com/69219/uap-nedkahn-to-create-kinetic-artwork-for-brisbane-airport/close-up_ courtesy-of-urban-art-projects/.

1. Yehuda E. Kalay, Architecture’s New Media : Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2004), pp. 5 - 25 2. Wolf D. Prix, openbuildings.com/buildings/bmw-welt-profile-2506/ buildings_data 3. Reiser Umemoto, openbuildings.com/buildings/kaohsiung-portand-cruise-service-center-profile-6056# 4. NOX Architects, openbuildings.com/buildings/son-o-houseprofile-38562

1. Fluidity of surface, http://www.archdaily.com/69219/uap-nedkahn-to-create-kinetic-artwork-for-brisbane-airport/close-up_ courtesy-of-urban-art-projects/.

Page 19 & 20:

Page 21 & 22:

1. dezen.com, triangular structure image 2. e90post.com, spiral walkway image 3. inhabitat.com, inner spiral form image

Page 25 & 26:

Page 5 & 6:

1. dezen.com, triangular structure image 2. e90post.com, spiral walkway image 3. artduh.com, Picasso bull abstraction image 4. inhabitat.com, inner spiral form image 5. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=666751, main page image 6. Beson,R. Relational Geometries: custom fabrication and assembly of digital architecture, 2010, viewed: 21 mar 2012, <architectureinsights. com.au>.

7. Pagliari, F. ‘BMW Welt - COOP HIMMELB(L)AU’, 2012, viewed 20 mar 2012, <theplan.it>.

Water reflection image: www.123rf.comphoto_1745220/man-in-thebuilding-with-water-reflection/

Page 11 & 12:

Savonius device image: www.commons.wikimedia.org

1. Yehuda E. Kalay, Architecture’s New Media : Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2004), pp. 5 - 25.

Page 13 & 14:

1. Wyndham City Marina Proposal image, http://www. wyndhamharbour.com.au/wyndham_marina/ 2.Wyndham logo, http://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ 3. Seeds of change image, http://www.flickr.com/photos/87791108@ N00/3193135219/sizes/z/in/photostream/ 4. Ripple screen picture, http://www.archdaily.com/69219/uap-nedkahn-to-create-kinetic-artwork-for-brisbane-airport/close-up_ courtesy-of-urban-art-projects/.

Page 15 & 16:

1. Surface image, http://archidose.blogspot.com.au/2005_08_01_ archive.html 2. Large background image, Christine Killory, and René Davids, ‘Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’, in Detail in Process. 1st edn, Asbuilt (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2008), pp. 112 - 117.

3. Flat surface appearance, http://www.pittsburghartscouncil.org/ public-art/public-art-events/public-art-events-archive/63/361

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Page 27 & 28:

Main Cathedral image: www.weesweet.blogspot.com.au/201008/ seed-cathedral/ Interior composition image:www.dexigner.com/news/21039/ Facade treatment image: www.termid.wordpress.com/20101208/ the-seed-cathedral/

Page 33 & 34: Page 33 & 37:

Acetal plastic image: www.cutlasercut.com Acetel aged plastic image: www.marketplace.secondlife.com Coretn steel image: www.au.alibaba.com

Caleb Boehringer 389 772 Progress Journal: ‘Awakening’ Air Studio 2012 ABPL 30048 Tutors: Paul Loh & Finn Warnock Thursday 2.15pm - 5.15pm

Air Studio 2012 | Caleb Boehringer 389 772